The 2013 NTW theme is “Transportation – The World is Right Next Door.”

The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association said in a written statement that the theme “should serve as a reminder to all that transportation is a key component in assuring the nation’s economic growth, global competitiveness and freedom of mobility cherished by all Americans.”

The World Economic Forum has ranked the United States’ infrastructure quality as 25th in the world.

NSSGA Chairman of the Board of Directors Ward Nye said the U.S. has a chance to move past its current ranking.

“We have a real opportunity during this Congress to put funding for our nation’s highway system on a sound footing and develop a sustainable plan to improve our roads and highways,” Nye said.

NSSGA President and CEO R. A. Edwards, III, added that the only way the U.S. can move up from that ranking is to maintain and improve the nation’s infrastructure.

“Congress must have a new law in place by the time the current law, MAP-21, expires on Sept. 30, 2014,” Edwards said.